Meet Rita- She has been with Lifehouse since she was 18 years old. Through the Community Living Program (CLP) she has been living independently in her own apartment in Mill Valley for almost 25 years.
Rita comes from humble beginnings. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she and her sister were in the foster care system for most of their young lives but were lucky enough to stay together. Despite these challenges, Rita talks fondly of her childhood, was very dedicated to sports, and recalls being well supported by those around her.
Rita enjoys being active, and out and about in her community. She has been an exemplary employee at the Rite Aide in Milly Valley since 1994, and loves walking or biking to work every day. She is the Price Accuracy Coordinator at the store and enjoys her daily interactions with the regular locals and co-workers. When Rita isn’t working, she loves to hang out with her cuddly feline friend, Latte that she adopted three years ago on Valentine’s Day.
Rita’s passion for sports has continued into her adult life. Her apartment boasts a mix of over 50 gold and silver metals from the Special Olympics, which range in sports from, tennis, softball, track & field to volleyball. It’s here that she met Lifehouse Board Member Dan Engle who has been an advocate and coach for various Special Olympics sports throughout the last 31 years.
Dan can recall that Rita has always been a great athlete and an even better teammate. She can always be seen pumping up morale and cheering on the other athletes. Dan says, “Rita has always spoken her mind, be it with me as her coach, or her bosses at Rite Aid where she has worked for decades. I felt she could add an informed voice from the community we serve along with Justin Treadwell, who is also supported by Lifehouse. Rita’s demeanor and commitment to whatever she takes on will serve all of us on the Lifehouse Board of Directors well.”
Rita has been on the Lifehouse Board since November of last year and looks forward to making a positive impact on her community.
